ONE of Forbairt's most senior executives, Mr Sean Donnelly, is leaving the organisation to set up a business advisory consultancy in the private sector.

Mr Donnelly (right), who has been executive director with responsibility for Business Development since Forbairt was established in January 1994, was previously an executive director of IDA Ireland.

Mr Donnelly joined the former IDA from Hallmark Cards in 1973. He held various appointments before becoming manager of the IDA's natural resources division in 1986. During this time, he led the team which produced the strategy document "A Future for Food", in co operation with the Department of Agriculture and Food.

Mr Donnelly was also a member of the expert review group which drew up a five year plan for the food industry, "An Action Plan for Growth", which was published in July 1995.